Actors wanted for RSC Open Stages!

CALLING all actors! Here’s your chance to be in one of the four plays selected for the No Holds Bard festival of one act plays, which is Newport Playgoers’ contribution to the UK-wide RSC Open Stages event.

The plays will be performed on 15 -17 March 2012on the main stage. Each play is about 20 to 30 minutes with no more than 6 cast members. Sets will be simple, with the build starting on 12 March.

This is your chance to be part of an exciting project co-ordinated by the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). Its aim is to embrace, develop and celebrate amateur theatre to re-forge the bond with the world of professional theatre. Newport Playgoers is proud to be part of this scheme which will culminate in a national showcase of amateur performances at the RSC’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon, to coincide with the World Shakespeare Festival in 2012.

The Winning Plays and Playwrights

‘Only Words Remain’ by Kevin Myers
Staff at a nursing home are faced with a puzzle when an elderly man with no name is placed in their care. But who is the mysterious Mr Smith? A story about love, loss and the power and persistence of language.

Directed by: Rosemary Bissex.

‘Poor Yorick’ by Phil Mansell
Yorick the jester is not dead – he’s on the road dying a death as he pioneers stand-up comedy. Failing miserably, he is persuaded by his tavern wench girlfriend Bess to return to Elsinore and get his old job back – but once there he becomes embroiled in Hamlet’s plans for revenge.

Directed by: Caroline Drewett-Mansell.


‘To Dream Perchance to Die’ by Russell Walker
A wildy surreal play exploring the actor’s nightmare - as it happens over and over and over again.

Directed by: Jes Hynes.


‘Roman and Julia’ by Gary Dooley
The course of true love for an elderly couple in a nursing home runs far from smooth – until a friend lends a hand.

Directed by: Russell Walker.

Playgoers Applaud Rhian’s £13,000 Charity Trek up Kilamanjaro

A leading light with Newport Playgoers has raised £13,000 for Velindre Hospital – by swapping her greasepaint for walking boots and climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Fund-raiser Rhian with members of the cast of ‘Humble Boy’. (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

Rhian Mitchell raised the last £1,000 with a collection at Playgoers’ recent production of ‘Fawlty Towers’, and members of the cast of their latest production ‘Humble Boy’ took time out from rehearsals to congratulate her.

“So many people know someone - family friends or colleagues - who have been affected by cancer and have benefited from Velindre Hospital, so it seemed like a really good charity to support,” said Rhian, who lives in Usk. “I plan to do it again in a couple of years time, and raise even more money for this very worthy cause.”

Rhian Mitchell with fellow Playgoer Chris Powell in 'Humble Boy' (PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL)

The cast of ‘Humble Boy’, a modern take on ‘Hamlet’ set in a English country garden took a moment from rehearsals to congratulate Rhian on her achievement. Rhian can be seen playing the part of Rosie in the play at the Dolman Theatre from 11 – 15 October. Tickets can be booked by phoning the box office on 01633 263670 or visiting www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.

Two Hundred Turn Out to Witness Rough Justice in Victorian Trials

Two hundred people packed out Usk courtroom to see magistrates and solicitors from all over Gwent act out real-life Victorian trials – and witness justice 19th Century style.


Magistrates and members of Newport Playgoers Society

played people from both sides of the law in the

mock Victorian trials.
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

The onlookers cheered and jeered as harsh sentences - ranging from transportation to imprisonment with hard labour - were handed out in the historic courtroom. The trials, which were adapted from actual transcripts, included neighbourhood disputes, stabbings and passing counterfeit coins.

“The event was organised to celebrate 650 years of magistrates in the UK, and was an incredible success,” said Revis Williams, one of the magistrates who donned period costume to take part.

A dramatic moment during the trials when

a woman is accused of passing counterfeit coins
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

“Some people thought we were professional actors which was very flattering. Everyone involved had a marvellous time and some of my colleagues are saying we should do it again – maybe even put on a panto!” she added.

Newport Playgoers played a key role in the success of the mock trials by lending Victorian costumes from their extensive wardrobe at the Dolman Theatre.

“We were only too happy to help out,” said NPS spokesperson Phil Mansell. “Two of our members wrote the script and took part, playing people in the dock on the receiving end of some tough sentences. The magistrates were so grateful they have made a donation to Newport Playgoers' wardrobe department.”


The cast of magistrates and solicitors in costume
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL



Magistrates Sentenced to Go Back in Time and Experience Rough Justice!

 Local magistrates have been plundering the wardrobe department of Newport Playgoers to find Victorian costumes for a re-enactment of real-life court cases from yesteryear.


Magistrates, solicitors and members of Newport Playgoers
Society try on Victorian costumes at the Dolman Theatre in
preparation for their re-enactment of real life trials.
PHOTO: PHIL MANSELL

The public will be able to see harsh sentences and rough justice handed out in the historic courtroom at Usk Sessions House on Saturday 17th September when the magistrates stage their version of crime and punishment 19th Century style.

“The event is one of many celebrating 650 years of magistrates in the UK,” said Clare Drewett, who has written the script for the event based on actual transcripts of Victorian trials.

“It’s sure to be an entertaining and educational session which will provide an insight into how justice was meted out in the past. The trials include neighbourhood disputes, stabbings and passing counterfeit coins. I think people will be very surprised by the sentences which range from transportation to imprisonment with hard labour.

“Usk Sessions House is the perfect venue for the trials as it’s the only truly authentic Victorian court room left in Britain. We hope lots of people will come along and see this lively event - and join in as well by heckling and cheering from the public gallery."

The re-enacted trials will take place between 2 – 4 pm on Saturday 17th September at Usk Sessions House in Maryport Street, Usk.

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Book into 'Fawlty Towers' for a fun-filled evening



Waiting to welcome you to ‘Fawlty Towers’ are

 Sybil (Nicky Davies), Basil (Alex Wilson),

Manuel (Ryan Salter) and Polly (Catherine Morgan)

 It's a tall order taking a work from the small screen to the stage, especially when it's a timeless classic like 'Fawlty Towers' and the script has not been re-written or adapted.

"Que?" asks Manuel (Ryan Salter).
Polly (Catherine Morgan) tries to explain.

But that's just what Newport Playgoers will be doing when they present John Cleese's comic farce at the Dolman Theatre from 13 - 17 September. I was lucky enough to be able to go along and interrupt rehearsals to take some publicity photos last week, and was struck by how much everyone is enjoying the challenge of bringing this much-loved comedy to the stage.

Basil (Alex Wilson) and Polly (Catherine Morgan)
have problems with troublesome guest 
Mr Hutchinson (Nathan Hodge)

The set was half-finished and slowly taking shape, the cast were in character and suitably attired, and director Jes Hynes was a little preoccupied with making the stuffed moose head that is vital to one of the scenes. It's worth pointing out that this is Jes's first time as director - he's appeared onstage in countless Playgoers productions - and he seems to be relishing his new role.

Sybil (Nicky Davies) chats on the phone whilst
Polly (Catherine Morgan) looks on

The production will feature three of the show's best episodes - 'The Hotel Inspectors', 'Communication Problems' and 'The Germans' in which Basil famously tells everyone "don't mention the war". It looks set to be a great night out at the theatre, so book your tickets now by phoning 01633 263670 or book online at http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/.

Thunderbolt is a Theatrical Treat

I was fortunate enough to be able to sit in at the dress rehearsal for ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ which Newport Playgoers are presenting at the Dolman Theatre from 14 – 18 June. 

Vernon Crump (Bruce Campbell), the Rev Weech (Richard Dymond) and Lady Edna Chesterford (Clare Drewett) have transport troubles in the marvellously madcap 'Titfield Thunderbolt'

Based on the popular Ealing comedy, the play is set in the 1950s when the axe loomed over many rural railway lines, and centres on the efforts of a group of gung-ho villagers to run their own railway in competition with a local bus company. To get a taste of the production, watch the low-res video below:

Making stage plays from novels and short stories is quite common, but to attempt this with a film screenplay - especially one involving a race between a train and a bus – is quite a challenge. Philip Goulding’s version of T E B Clarke's script pulls it off with style.

This highly innovative production, brilliantly directed by Claudia Barnes, races along, taking the audience into a zany world of nostalgia and feelgood fun. Theatregoers can expect the unexpected as the cast double- and triple-up in a number of larger-than-life roles and break the conventional rules by bringing the play off the stage and involving the audience.

I would highly recommend you book your ticket now for this fast-moving production. Phone the Dolman Theatre box office for details on 01633 263670 or visit www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.

Full steam ahead for the Titfield Thunderbolt!

Theatregoers can expect the unexpected when Newport Playgoers go full steam ahead on ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ at the Dolman Theatre next week.

Based on the hugely popular Ealing comedy, the play centres on villagers’ attempts to run their own railway in competition with a local bus company.

This highly innovative production races along, taking the audience into a zany world of nostalgia and feelgood fun.

It’s at the Dolman Theatre from 14 – 18 June. Phone 01633 263670 for tickets. All aboard!

West End Star Caroline Sheen to Top Bill at Gala Night of Entertainment

Top West End musical star Caroline Sheen,

who is currently touring America

as Mary Poppins, is returning

to Wales to top the bill

at a gala night of entertainment

 at the Dolman Theatre on

Saturday 19^th March.

Mary Poppins will be coming to Newport– in the shape of top West End musical star Caroline Sheen, who is returning to Wales to top the bill at a gala night of entertainment at the Dolman Theatre on Saturday 19th March.

Caroline, who is currently touring America as the lead in the hit musical ‘Mary Poppins’, will join of host of talent from local musical societies, dance schools and Newport Playgoers Society (NPS), for an evening which promises to be packed with music and mirth. As well as singing a host of familiar favourites, Caroline will be performing songs from her debut album, ‘Raise The Curtain’.

A former pupil at Caerleon Comprehensive School, Caroline gained invaluable experience performing with Gwent Young People’s Theatre and the National Youth Theatre of Wales before going on to study at Guildford School of Acting where she graduated with first class honours. Her West End roles include Marty in ‘Grease’, Eponine in ‘Les Miserables’ and Truly Scrumptious in ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.

“This gala event has been organised as a fund-raiser for Newport Playgoers Society which owns and runs the 200-seat Dolman Theatre,” explained NPS spokesperson Phil Mansell. “We’re really pleased to have such a talented and well-known performer as Caroline to headline a feast of entertainment that will include something for everyone.”

Tickets for the event, on Saturday 19th March are £15 - and include a glass of bubbly and canapés before the curtain goes up. To book, contact the Dolman Theatre box office on 01633 263670.

Medical mayhem at the Dolman Theatre

There's nothing like a good laugh to banish the post-Christmas blues, and 'Nil by Mouth' by John Chapman, which has been at the Dolman Theatre this week is just the right medicine to cheer anyone up.
The play is set in the fictional hospital of  St Christopher’s on a busy Saturday morning. Everything usually runs like clockwork but on this weekend a government inspector visits and things go hilariously - wrong thanks to under-staffing and confusion over which patient is which.

The cast is brilliant, the timing perfect, and the audience lapped it up. It's the last two performances today - at 2.30 and 7.15 - so if you get a chance go out and treat yourself to a great evening at the theatre.

The photo shows Patients Hilary Keats (John Sheen) and William Graham (Graeme Johnson) receive the very best professional healthcare from the hospital staff: Sister Downing (Elaine Hodgson), Nurse Layton (Jocelyn Guy), Sister Roughton (Caroline Drewett-Mansell), and Nurse Dolores (Fran Keirle).